O efeito da estimulação transcraniana por corrente contínua associada a dupla-tarefa ( linguistica - motora) em crianças com autismo : ensaio clínico randomizado

Abstract

This study addresses autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the use of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of tDCS applied to the motor area, combined with dual-task (linguistic-motor) activities, on language skills in children with ASD. This topic arises from the researcher's concern in his clinical practice, given the growing number of children with ASD. He perceives the need and openness to include new technologies for better targeting and therapeutic success in ASD. This is a randomized clinical trial with 17 children with ASD aged two to three and a half years, conducted at the Support Foundation for People with Disabilities (FADA). Continuous variables are expressed as mean and standard deviation (SPSS v. 21.0). Normality was verified using the Shapiro-Wilk test. The intra- and inter-group effects of tDCS were assessed using a mixed model (time x groups), with Tukey's post hoc test when significant (p ≤ 0.05). The effect size was calculated based on the pre-post intervention difference. Data were analyzed using percentages, frequencies, means, and repeated-measures ANOVA. Pre-post variations were verified using a paired Student's t test (means and p-value). The results indicated that, although tDCS did not show a significant influence on the motor and language domains, the implementation of dual-task activities (linguistic-motor) provided improvements in the communication skills of children with ASD. The discussion suggests that the effectiveness of interventions is more linked to the practice of integrated tasks than to the use of tDCS alone. The limitations of the study, such as the small sample size, emphasize the need for further research. We conclude that language development has been broadened as described in the Bayley III and PROC instruments, without the use of tDCS, without compromising the relevance of the hypothesis. We highlight the importance of new therapeutic approaches that combine innovative technologies with practical methods appropriate for the autistic population. Further studies are recommended to explore different contexts and population characteristics.